It seemed like a tragic occurrence at first, some poor woman was found dead by the river in the poor districts. Then it happened again, and again a second time. The city council requested the watch to declare a general alert. And thus the General commander called all hands on deck. She requested your presence with the upmost urgency.

So you all gathered in her office...

Titus had taken the first death as tragic happenstance, like most other people, but as the bodies began to accumulate so did his rage. Not only had some fell murderer found their, its, way into their fair city but it had avoided their notice thrice. No more Titus promised himself as he rallied to the guild master's summons. Entering her office he quickly took up place off to the side and stood attentively to await the captain's update and orders.

Always ready for duty, Alison arrived with her pack and weapons, ready to go out into the streets at a moment’s notice. She stood off to the side, allowing the others room to move about. She waited calmly for instructions.

Accompanying Alison as is often the case, in the office or on the streets, the soft and friendly looking creature known as Prescious is right behind her on the way to this meeting too.

Rather than presume to engage in the meeting itself she heads over to a corner with a good view of the majority of doors and windows where she flops down and curls up into a fluffy pile with eyes, yet still looks perfectly comfortable.

Vinnick wasn't sure about the summons. Generally he had little choice and always had an "escort." But it wasn't his brothers office so his curiosity was peaked. Entering the office, he noticed that other had apparently been called on as well. Taking a spot near the back and close to some shadows he observes the goings as he waits to see what is going on.

Four people had come and pretty quickly while at that. That should have to do for the time being. General Commander Luzitanne stood from her chair and addressed them. "Thank you for coming with this little notice." She took off the hat and the jacket that marked her rank in the Watch. "I don't think I need to explain the situation, we all know what is happening, second hand or otherwise" she turned to look at Titus as she said "otherwise".

"I have organized patrols across the slums and near the river, but I'm not exactly asking you to join them" She said with sadness in her voice. "I'm afraid that the murderer we have on the loose seems to have good connections, or at least has a way to get privileged information from the watch."

She added. "That is why I'm asking you, I think I can trust you with this. To investigate on your own and to keep your investigation under wraps."

Alison nodded, ”So I just put ‘special assignment’ on the paperwork then?”

Titus averted his gaze in shame. While he could not bear sole responsibility for having failed in finding the murderer he was a city watchmen and it was his responsibility, his duty to protect the people of Ondinium. Still when the General Commander insinuated that one of his own number was conspiring to hide the murderer he snapped his head towards her, words leaving his mouth before they fully processed in his head.

"Surely you jest. No member of the City Watch would ever..."

With rapidly dawning realization he snapped his mouth shut and coughed into his hand. When he spoke again it was at a much more measured and respectful tone.

"What I meant to say General Commander is that I personally find it hard to believe that one of our own number would be complicit in these heinous crimes."

So that was the reason they were here. Vinnick thought to his self. "If that is the reasoning then perhaps a list of those directly involved in the investigation would serve as a starting point. We could discreetly question them in less formal settings and determine who if any play a part in the murders." Vinnick was taking a bit of delight in the fact that he could turn the tables and investigate the city watch rather than them looking into him.

Uncurling from her spot in the corner to speak to Alison the Shubbet isn't loud enough to interrupt the others, but anyone paying attention could probably make out what she says.  ”They may be unwitting spies, or subject to magical coercion.”

Alison spoke quietly but with a measure of confidence, as if she is simply soft spoken. ”Have you not heard of the Red Wall of Silence*? Those who wear these red cloaks, the Watch, tend to rally around their own. They know enough not to speak, especially when accusations are coming their way. No this will require boot leather and evidence.” She smiled, ”Then we confront those here who are involved and find out who is behind this all.”

She straightened her posture and pulled at the hem of her cloak as she looked back to the General, ”Do you have any special instructions or items for our use?”

Vinnick laughs at confidence of the woman. "All walls can be breached. One just has to know where. You'd be surprised what information people give away that they think is of little consequence. And I said it would best be done discreetly, something the Watch has yet to learn to do."

"I knew I could count on you." the Commander smiled. "The only instructions are that you are not to work in the headquarters and not to leave paperwork. Nominally you are assigned to early morning watch so that you are justified. But your true work is to investigate not to keep watch."

Wow, I didn't expect this to get so close to real world... Ok here are the possible leads:

Most members of the watch frequent the Stone sword pub. If you want to get them drunk it is the place.

All paperwork goes through the two secretaries in the headquarters. They are basically civilians hired from the street.

Captain Virgil has a lot of control over watches. Even though this time he isn't in control of the watches, he is bound to know most of them.

Last month there was a fresh wave of recruits. Five new people joined the guard.

Alison nodded, "Very well. I have a few maps in my office that might be of aid. If you all would care to join me?" She nodded at Precious, We will need your ability to read minds very soon I think.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

Clearly happy to be the focus of Alison's attention, even if only for a moment, Precious perks up immediately when addressed.  ”We will need to be careful so they don't know who is listening in, I can hide in the cabinet while you ask the questions.”

Titus gritted his teeth somewhat but elected not to depend his shames. Besides every watchman knew that the best recourse against the slanderous lies of the Red Wall of Silence was to deny its existence. No self-respecting watchman would violate that basic tenet of the brotherhood they shared. Turning to the others he considered their options before speaking.

"I think I'm best suited to clandestinely ask questions of others of the Watch, at least in a social situation. They are unlikely to suspect me of anything unsavory and it will help to clear good men and women of these heinous accusations."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Mon 23 Nov 2020.

"If you wouldn't mind the company. I'd like to join you. I move about the bars, the ones with the watch included. So I shouldn't draw much attention. I can even pass a minstrel if you'd perfer. The maids at such places often hear more than they let on."

The group made its way to the Stone Sword Pub. There was some disturbance on the streets. People showed general distress and acted skittish. There was tension all around.

The weather was very cold, and it seemed it could snow at any time that afternoon.

Once they reached the Stone Sword Pub, the climate was less somber. People in there were having some fun. The bartender was Lanie as usual, and while she gave a drink to a new customer, she snickered at seeing more familiar faces. Her drinks and food were legendarily good, she was also a great listener and known for her advice.

There were five tables occupied. One of them had a small group of rookies, the other had Mark a more veteran member of the watch who didn't waste any time getting wasted. Some of the other tables had regular visitors, and the last one had a small group of what looked like mercenaries, including a bearaler. There was a singer in the stage with his shubbet playing the drums.

Even one of the secretaries was in the bar talking to Lanie. This wasn't exactly an expected sight, considering the secretaries normally worked all the way until sundown.

Walking into the pub Vinnick flashes a wide smile. "Lanie! My friend. How are you?" He calls out in a loud and blusterous voice. "Can we get a round of drinks for the bar?" My friend here.." He says as he slaps the back of his hand against Titus' middle. "Lost a bet with me and will be buying the first round." As he talks his eyes move about the room taking in what details he could. Including how deep into their cups most of the patrons were.


OOC:
lets see how drunk everyone is.
14:49, Today: Vinnick rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

Titus grunted at the sudden contact, casting a steely glare at Vinnick as he absently rubbed at his stomach.

"Yeah I lost the bet alright. I'll take an ale Lanie and maybe a tankard of dirty water from the scullery or perhaps just a bed pan for good old Vinnick here."

He returned Vinnick's slap with one of his own, albeit aimed at his shoulder blade.

Alison followed but waited outside the tavern for a twenty count before walking in. She wanted to make it seem as though she and Precious were not with the boys. As they enter she took a free table near enough to the boys that Precious could "Listen" in on thoughts. She ordered a weak ale and sipped it while watching the room.

Nudging Alison to a table fairly centrally located in the room, likely not big enough that any part of it is excluded from the spell, Precious slides one of the adjacent chairs up to the one Alison sat in and hops up on it to lean against her, both a fairly normal thing to do and a good way to avoid any detection of her unusual behavior.  Despite not being an actual spell and thus requiring no components her concentration on the effect itself might still be detectable were someone else to engage in some form of interaction.  ”I will start by just listening in their surface thoughts are harder to hide so they won't know I am listening.”

Lanie chuckled at the antics of the guardian and Vinnick. "Vinnick, honey. I've told you you need better friends. Or actual friends period." She turned around and produced two tankards. "Is the usual ok?" she left the tankards on the bar and turned her attention back to the secretary. "Have you considered that's what he actually wants? Some boys just need to put themselves in danger to feel manly"

Vinnick hands Titus his le as he leans against the counter and takes a sip of his. Normally he would banter more with Lanie, but it seemed that there was a more pressing conversation that needed tending. So he let it go as he gazed over the room. The bard on stage wasn't doing much for the atmosphere. 'Well this wont do at all." Vinnick says just loud enough for Titus to hear but not anyone else. Taking a large drink of his ale, Vinnick calls up to the bard on stage. :Oi! Play something lively! With a smile he winks at Titus and whispers "See what you can get out of the rookies" He then proceeds to take hold of one of the free barmaids and starts to dance with her as he starts singing very loudly.

"A gypsy rover came over the hill
Down through the valley so shady.
He whistled and he sang ’til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady.

Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-doo-dah-day
Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-day-dee
He whistled and he sang ’til the green woods rang
And he won the heart of a lady.

She left her own fine lover.
She left her servants and her state
To follow her gypsy rover.

She left behind her velvet gown
And shoes of Spanish leather
They whistled and they sang ’till the green woods rang
As they rode off together

Last night, she slept on a goose feather bed
With silken sheets for cover
Tonight she’ll sleep on the cold, cold ground
Beside her gyspy lover

Her father saddled up his fastest stead
And roamed the valley all over.
Sought his daughter at great speed
And the whistlin’ gypsy rover.

He came at last to a mansion fine
Down by the river Claydee.
And there was music and there was wine
For the gypsy and his lady.

“He is no gypsy, my Father,” she cried
“but Lord of these lands all over.
And I shall stay ’til my dying day
with my whistlin’ gypsy rover.”


02:11, Today: Vinnick rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Performance. (song)

02:12, Today: Vinnick rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Performance. (Dance)

OOC:
Gypsy Rover
lyrics and music Leo Maguire, based on Child Ballad #200

Seemingly content to ignore the bar, and the song, Precious stays snuggled up against Alison and appears to drift off into a lazy sleep.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:37, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

Alison scratched Precious' scalp the way she liked and sipped her own drink.

Titus takes his drink, pleasant smile on his face and begins to simply listen to Vinnick's performance. While his accomplice sings he takes in his surroundings. He doesn't know where to begin but perhaps there might be an easy in somewhere. A group of watchmen a little too deep into their drink to hold their tongues as firmly as they should or perhaps rookies with still to green to know when they are being worked for information.

The musician had gone along with Vinnick's performance, he instructed something to his companion who moved closer to him. The secretary waved Lannie goodbye and left some coins on the counter. The cloaked stranger by the mercinaries table turned away in disgust to the performance while the bearaler listened with emotion certainly captivated by it. The rookies couldn't care less and asked for another round.

Seeing his opening Titus finished off his first ale in a considerable chug and ordered another to go along with the rookies. As the drinks were being ferried to the table he moved alongside them. Meeting the eyes of one of the rookies he gave a broad smile.

"Evening rookies."

He then invited himself to the table, not asking permission due to his seniority.

"Out for a few drinks I see."

Vinnik gives a bow to the barmaid and gives her a kiss on the hand. </purple>"A pleasure my dear."</purple> He says with a broad smile and a twinkle in his eye. "Lannie! A round for the whole! Put it on the tab!" He calls out. Seeing the attention the bearaler was paying to the act, Vinnick walks over to the table. "Well met my friends. You look as if you enjoyed the song and dance. Your first time at Stone Sword?"



15:07, Today: Vinnick rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Persuasion.

and on the off chance I got advantage for the song and dance

15:07, Today: Vinnick rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Persuasion.

The Bearaler couldn't just resist any longer and held Vinnick by surprise as he approached enough. Vinnick tried to resist, but the embrace was just too much for him. The others, however, didn't have time to react and do something to free him.

The doors to the tavern burst open as another rookie rushed in. "They found another one!, five blocks form here in the docks!"

Ok, time to change the scenery. Vinnick will remain behind while the rest can go and investigate. Lia will also be at there already.

"Bloody hell!" Titus bellows as he raises from his seat, the sudden motion pushing the table away from him. He looked to Alison and Precious, giving the pair a quick nod, before turning back to the rookie and speaking in a commanding voice.

"Report to the Captain on what's happened. I'll go and help secure the perimeter."

He then turned to the bar as whole, his voice ringing out.

"Everyone get back to your homes!"

He didn't wait to find out if people heeded him, they rarely did even when it made good sense to do so. Instead he moved to see what had befallen another young woman.

Alison stood quickly, glancing at Precious and giving her a slight jerk of the head to follow.  She momentarily put a hand on her crossbow, not to draw it, but for assurance of its presence, as she followed Titus outside.

Having just shifted in her sleep to roll her feet down under her, rather than lounging sideways against Alison's leg only moments before the door burst open Precious is already rising from a kneeling position to stand with her head just above the table height when all the shouting happens, trotting along behind Alison  as she leaves the tavern to go do a more direct form of investigation.

Alison made sure not to outpace her companion, despite the urgency of the situation.

The tall northerner, new to her posting, looks around to see what she can see. Lia wonders if this occurance, this type of fatality, is common in the district.

The scene was grim and it wouldn't be appropriate to get graphical in order to provide a more detailed description. The victim was like the others, a young working class woman. The scene was in a side alley, apparently it had happened the night before.

A young urchin stayed by a rookie -this guy Dave- giving a declaration.

Time to shine, give me int and wis checks for perception and investigation if you can

Titus was the first one the scene, at least among his group, and was appalled at the state of the young woman that he had found. Whoever had done this was truly evil. He took a moment to master himself, steeling his resolve and his stomach. After offering a short prayer to the gods he spoke to the guards on site as he looked around for himself.

"What can you tell me about what happened here?"

12:30, Today: Titus Gray rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Investigation.
12:29, Today: Titus Gray rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Perception

12:22, Today: Alison Romtree rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Alison took a look around the alleyway, observing all that she could from the scene.

Closer to the ground, and often ignored, Precious slips into the scene without interfering with it as she takes a look around.  A spare glance at the urchin assures her that it is under control at least, if even remotely important so she can keep her attention on the physical details.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Thu 08 July 2021.

Lia tries to interview the urchin, "In your own words, lad, what's the story here? What did you see, or find?@

======
00:57, Today: Lia rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Perception (Passive is 16).
00:57, Today: Lia rolled 8 using 1d20.  Investigation (Passive is 10)
00:58, Today: Lia rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Insight on the urchin (passive is 16).
Fairly unimpressive.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Mon 05 July 2021.

The child was nervous and in shock. The mob of curious people around wasn't making things better. "I just found heee...."

Dave stopped the child. "This kid has already seen a lot. It could have been at any time between last night and today. Unless one of you knows about this stuff." (Medicine) He looked back at the kid. "Come with me, I can get you something to eat. Do you like Alenuts?"

All of the present could notice there was a broken piece of a jar with bluish blood dumped on the ground. No other reports mentioned a weapon being found on the previous scenes. The body showed piercing and slashing damage of irregular sizes, but not a clear idea of what weapon could have been used.

Titus squats next to the shattered jar and examines the bluish blood.

"This is certainly not natural. Has anyone seen anything like this before?"

Titus wasn't a particularly smart man but he knew that blood was supposed to be red. Didn't matter if it came from a man, woman, or beast; it was supposed to be red.

Lia shrugs. Clearly they have their own way of doing things. She makes a mental note to keep quiet until someone else has taken the lead.

======
16:06, Today: Lia rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Medicine.
16:12, Today: Lia rolled 3 using 1d4.  Meredith's Guidance.   Total = 17 for Medicine

This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Tue 06 July 2021.

Alison held up a hand, "Dave, hold on a minute. If we've got a witness, we need to ask questions. Not hearing what he has to say would be almost as bad as a new recruit bursting into a tavern and announcing another victim to the entire establishment." Alison eyed both of the newbies, hoping they understood their excitement was causing problems rather than providing solutions.


"What we don't know, we don't know. But what this fellow knows," Alison took a knee to get on eye-level with the kid and held and arm out for Precious to join her,"is information we could use to catch the bad person who did this. We don't want any more nice people getting hurt, so anything you can tell us about what you saw could be useful. Don't worry about making the story sound good, just tell us what you saw and what you heard."

Avoiding the blood, of any color, Precious turns away from the crime scene itself to join Alison in rescuing the urchin from whatever fate, or ridiculous concept of food, the guards had in mind for them.  As she joins Alison she slips easily into the open arm not quite like a hug, but not quite like a hold either and speaks to the child in a softer, more friendly tone.

”We can go somewhere more comfortable and relax for a bit if you like, get you something to eat, and drink.  There is no need to stay here or worry about anyone else, we just need to hear your story when you are ready to tell it.”

Dave was dumbfounded by how the group had taken over the investigation from him. "Yeah, sure I was only going to feed the kid, but your idea is so much better..." he snarked.

The kid on the other hand was very receptive to Precious. She had a calming presence, in part because of being very childish herself. The kid went along cheerfully and took kindly to the suggestion of food. Finally after relaxing the orphan spoke. "I found her when I passed there. I was looking for my friend who normally sleeps nearby. But I couldn't find him."

Mostly letting the kid tell the story at their own pace Precious does drop in a few questions, each with plenty of time to provide an answer.

”Who is your friend. . . What do you do with your friend. . . Do you have any idea where your friend could have gone. . . How often do you come here to meet with him. . . Do you want our help finding him to make sure he is ok?”

While the others feed the child Lia casts a detect magic and wanders round the crime scene, starting her intent gazing with the broken glassware and bluish blood.

"Dhur is my friend, he normally sleeps here and we look for food in the day. He didn't come for me this morning." The child continued. "He sleeps in this alley and I didn't find him here either. I don't know where he is."


Lia couldn't find any trace of a lingering spell or an obviously magical item at work. The blood didn't show any obvious spellcasting, but it was definitely not of human origin.

Lia focuses on the blue blood to see if she can dredge anything from the pit of her mind.

======
OOC: Maybe a Nature check?

Alison looked around while she listened, not entirely sure how useful the kids information was going to be for them.

19:10, Today: Alison Romtree rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Still calm and helpful in tone Precious gives asking some slightly more direct questions a chance.

”When you and Dhur look for food where do you go, or if one of you is scared of something is there some place you go to hide or be safe?”

Lia moves back towards Alison. She tries to ascertain whether she'd be interupting or if she's happy to talk quietly.

Alison looked up to see Lia coming her direction, and smiled. With Precious taking care of the kid, she could put her attention elsewhere and hopefully the kid at ease a bit more as well.

"Hello, uh, I'm Lia," says Lia. "We've not worked together before, obviously, but I'm hoping to be able to fit in and contribute. Please tell me if I'm being too eager.." She pauses, perhaps defensively, then continues as if in a rush to get it out, "You probably know but just in case not, I spotted a broken bottle with blue blood on it, most probably (minor) Gubelim. And the deceased, the lady, I judge she passed away the night before; most probably after midnight. And there's no magic on this (crime) scene, either direct ot fading. That's all I've got." She looks intently at Alison, eyes searching the lady's face.

Alison smiled, "No, Lia, I think you're just eager enough. I saw some, but you noticed more than me and some of that I don't even have the training to have taken a guess at. So got a very good deal, thank you. Have you spoken to Titus about this yet?" Alison pointed toward Titus in case introductions still needed to be made.

Lia smiles back, recognising that Alison's nice. "Thank you. Pleased to be able to help. There's something weird going on here; I can almost feel it." She lets out a puff of breath. "No. Not really. No, I haven't." She look across in Titus's direction and then back to Alison, face almost saying, 'Please?'

Alison's smile grew more genuine. She gave a simple nod and then motioned for her to follow as she gave a quick look back at Precious to make sure all was well. Then she lead Lia over to where Titus was standing and made the introductions, "Titus, this is one of our new recruits, Lia. She has discovered some useful details. I'll her give you the report."

Lia flashes a small smile of thanks to Alison. It makes small crickle-lines appear at the sides of her eyes.
She waits for Titus to signal he's ready..

Titus had listened to Lia's explanation about the bottle and blood, unsure of what to make of the words. He'd never heard of Gubelim before; whatever that was. In his ponder he didn't even notice when Alison first attempted to formalize the introduction. It was only when he happened to glance over did he see the cleric.

Moving to her he extended a hand in greeting.

"Titus, Titus Gray. Glad to have you aboard. Seems you know your stuff. So what can you tell us about this...Gubelim? Was that it?"

She takes the proffered hand and shakes it with a squeeze: men seemed to think you weren't a real person otherwise. "Asaliian. Pleased to  be of service." She meets his gaze and repossesses her hand. "Thank you. Yes. They're people. Just like us, mostly, but with an immortal somewhere in their bloodline. That's what gives them strange coloured blood. Not always, but often. And they may have  supernatural gifts of some kind. Not always, but most often." She gives their sterotypically generic desciptions or characteristics [of dragonborn, drow and tieflings.]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Sun 18 July 2021.

The child kept answering to Precious. "We normally stay by the alleys in the west pier. There is more food close to the market and the commercial area, but there are bigger kids there and we don't want to get involved with them. They are big and bad, we hide from them in the side alleys and sometimes we enter the sewage, but not if we can help it. It is scary down there."

Precious smiles a wide and clearly happy smile once she gets something useful out of the child, then turns her focus to Alison to offer an assessment of that information in a more usable form.

”It looks like the friend is another street child, likely quite young as they avoid older children, and only know safety when running and hiding so even if we do guess the right place to look it its more than likely they will flee before we get there, particularly if that involves going into the sewer, better to wait for them to come back and keep an eye on likely hangouts.

In any case the children are obviously not of interest to the killer, just bystanders no doubt scared out of their minds.  We should look into any sightings of particularly monstrous Gubelim.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Thu 22 July 2021.

Not close enough to overhear anyone saying anything important Lia lurks patiently.

Alison nodded her agreement to Precious's comments, and her comments. "Alright, Dave, the little one's ready for that food you've promised, now." She waited to Suspicious Dave to be gone before discussing anything further.

Dave saluted and motioned for the kid to follow him towards the Stone Sword. Titus then mentioned. "We need to regroup and pñan our next move."

"Well, finding where the boy's friend has gone seems to be the thing we need, isn't it?" comments Lia. "Not sure we've got much else that's solid. Or do you recall something I don't?"

"Well, Alison, where shall we go while the little fellow has his food in the 'Sword?" asks Lia as she eyes the retreating back of Dave.

A cat sat on a barrel under an awning.  It's patches of red, black & cream muted by the shadow that was casted over it.  It's tail twitched as it watched the group of investigators arrive on the scene.  Another urchin, victim to the horror that is plaguing this city...

Its tail twitched again, tilting its head slightly as the rookie seemed to snap at the newcomers.  Calico mentally frowned at that.  The soldiers were getting irritable, likely from suspicion that they're not doing their job... or worse, aiding whatever is doing this.  Dave wasn't really helping their case.

With a subtle chirp, he hopped down silently and morphed into his humanoid form as he casually walked from the alley shadows.  He kept his hands raised slightly to show he was harmless.  "The boy isn't the first witness," he informed them.  "I found another down by the docks muttering about monsters.  Poor boy spends too much time by the sewers and I warned him that unsavory things are down there, but I feel like this is different and very similar to our new friend." He nodded down at the boy accompanied by the rookie.

He was one of the fair-folk, a Nymphling, with a delicate facial structure that boasted hazel eyes and a pointed nose.  His reddish hair was long enough to meet his jawline.  His clothes were simple cotton and hemp of brown & dingy white.  A leather vest covered his slender torso, draping over his hips where a dagger was sheathed.  His boots were well worn and showed sign of constant mending.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

A Lomari is sitting in the shade on the side of road.  He is strumming a lute and singing a sad song about the sea.  Oddly enough, he was dressed as a cleric. His voice is as smooth as glass and it makes people want to stop and listen.

Lia nods at Calico, "You surprised me then. I'm Lia. The help is welcome." Moving closer she nods, "Perhaps we can go see the lad, or lass, down at the docks and find out what transpired. We can pick up some food on the way." She amplifies, "For the urchin."

Their route may take them past a musical Lomari.

"I took him somewhere to be cared for," he said absently as he approached the body and squatted beside it.  He had heard Lia's assessment but wanted to see it up close himself.  His long, thin fingers touched the blood and brought it to his nose to sniff it, then dabbed it on his tongue.  "He was less helpful than his friend, I'm afraid; very traumatized."

He wiped his hand off on his tunic, leaving a faint indigo stain as he stood and made his way back.  "I'm Calico," he introduced himself but made no move to make the greeting physical.  "I work contract for the City Watch.  They've tapped my services to help in the investigation."

He sighed and glanced the way Dave had taken the child.  "I regret that I don't agree with your Shubbet about waiting.  That'll just invite more murders, and the street dwellers sometimes venture into the sewers for shelter or shortcuts."  That and Calico wasn't one for waiting.  He worked in action, not patience.

Calico turned his attention back to Lia.  "You said the woman was a Gubelim?  The Watch didn't give me much information on the other killings.  No talk about blue blood or Gubelims.  Do you think the murderer is targeting them?"  Why else would they kill one person and ignore others present?

He frowned, wishing he had seen other bodies, but shrugged slightly. "Anyway, I found Dhur near a sewer entry and suspect that's a starting point."

[OOC: Does the dead woman look like a Gubelim?

Also, @Anderlin, may I suggest you more actively join the scene?  Did the DM give you any information to contribute?  We're not strolling down a street, so a minstrel cleric isn't exactly a detail of interest.  Nor would I envision a plethora of passersby to be available to stop and listen considering the recent event.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

He was just practicing, not busking.  I wasn't given a hook, so was trying to create one.

"Just back in town after a long absence.  Trying to define my way, as it has been blurry of late.  My desire is to help folks in need.  Are you, perhaps, in need of help?"

He stands up and approaches them.

"The name is Anderlin.  I am a mixed bag of tricks, music, poetry, stories, or perhaps you prefer healing or other clerical services?"